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All the right moves

Five essential exercises for pregnancy

By
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Originally published in Today's Parent January 2006

Intensity Guidelines
Just how much can expectant moms exert themselves? And how do you judge whether you’re working too hard during aerobic activities like walking? Different groups of caregivers are divided on this issue: Some suggest women adjust exercise intensity according to how they feel, and others advise not allowing your heart rate to climb above certain targets. No matter which approach your doctor or midwife endorses, you can find out more about different methods of gauging intensity by visiting the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology website at csep.ca. (Click on “Publications,” then “Joint CSEP & SOGC Clinical Practice Guidelines.”)

Alert your caregiver if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• persistent uterine contractions (more than six to eight per hour)
• bloody discharge, or a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina
• unexplained abdominal pain
• sudden swelling in the ankles, hands or face
• sudden pain, redness or swelling in the calf
• persistent headaches or vision disturbances
• unexplained dizziness or faintness
• marked fatigue, chest pain or palpitations (racing heartbeat)
• weight gain of less than one kilogram per month during the final two trimesters
• sudden reduction in baby’s normal movements

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